I recently purchased a RF Graflex with a 6x7 back and a f 2,8 80 Zeiss Planar lenses. I have a domestic B&W lab and my enlarger allows me to work with neg. up to 6x9. Thus I'm interested to use this format with my camera. I guess I have to incorporate some additional accesories or even other lenses. I would appreciate it if someone report what I exactly have to do and, if there are some options, which are the more advisable ones. Although the GXL is understood as a "press-camera", my main intention is to use it for landscapes and, if possible, for portraits. I would like to know also some coments (pros and cons) about that. Thanks in advance.

On 2006-03-25 14:08, Javier Alonso wrote:
I recently purchased a RF Graflex with a 6x7 back and a f 2,8 80 Zeiss Planar lenses. I have a domestic B&W lab and my enlarger allows me to work with neg. up to 6x9. Thus I'm interested to use this format with my camera. I guess I have to incorporate some additional accesories or even other lenses. I would appreciate it if someone report what I exactly have to do and, if there are some options, which are the more advisable ones. Although the GXL is understood as a "press-camera", my main intention is to use it for landscapes and, if possible, for portraits. I would like to know also some coments (pros and cons) about that. Thanks in advance.

On 2006-03-25 14:08, Javier Alonso wrote:
I recently purchased a RF Graflex with a 6x7 back and a f 2,8 80 Zeiss Planar lenses. I have a domestic B&W lab and my enlarger allows me to work with neg. up to 6x9. Thus I'm interested to use this format with my camera. I guess I have to incorporate some additional accesories or even other lenses. I would appreciate it if someone report what I exactly have to do and, if there are some options, which are the more advisable ones. Although the GXL is understood as a "press-camera", my main intention is to use it for landscapes and, if possible, for portraits. I would like to know also some coments (pros and cons) about that. Thanks in advance.

Javier.-

(1) get a 2x3 (6x9, if you want to say it that way) back. Can't shoot 6x9 with a 6x7 back.

(2) get a lens in XL mount that will cover 2x3. Any of the standard 95 (IIRC there's a Heligon) or 100s (tessar, planar) and longer lenses will do. If you want a short lens, get a 58 Grandagon. I shoot one on my 2x3 Speed and it much more than covers. I b'lieve that Les Newcomer has commented that his just covers 4x5.

Dan is right - I wouldn't count on that 80mm covering the 6x9. In all XL literature, Graflex warned that the optimum performance of that lens was 6x7. I had one on my Century Graflex and can confirm the corners are not as sharp as the center, even stopped down.